Bathroom Remodeling 101: Planning Your Dream Bathroom

A bathroom remodel can dramatically improve your home's comfort, functionality, and value. Here's your comprehensive guide to planning a successful bathroom renovation from start to finish.

Setting Your Budget

Before falling in love with fixtures and finishes, establish a realistic budget. Understanding the cost breakdown helps you make informed decisions and prioritize what matters most to you.

Always include a 10-15% contingency for unexpected issues like hidden water damage, outdated plumbing that needs updating, or structural surprises once walls are opened.

Layout and Space Planning

The layout of your bathroom significantly impacts both the cost and functionality of your remodel. Understanding your options helps you make smart decisions.

Clearance Requirements

Building codes require specific clearances:

• At least 30 inches of space in front of all fixtures
• 15 inches from the toilet centerline to any wall or obstruction
• 30 inches of clear width at the bathroom entrance
• 21 inches in front of sinks

Essential Fixtures

Choose quality fixtures that balance style with durability. These are investments you'll use daily for years to come.

Toilets

• Water-efficient models: Look for WaterSense certified (1.28 gallons per flush or less)
• Comfort height: 17-19 inches tall, easier for most adults
• Elongated bowls: More comfortable than round
• Quality brands: TOTO, Kohler, American Standard offer reliability

Vanities

• Size matters: 24-30 inches for powder rooms, 48-72 inches for primary bathrooms
• Storage needs: Drawers are more functional than doors for most items
• Material quality: Solid wood or quality plywood, avoid particle board
• Countertop options: Quartz for durability, marble for luxury, solid surface for seamless look

Showers & Tubs

Tile and Materials Selection

Bathrooms require water-resistant, durable materials that can withstand daily use and high humidity. Here's what works best:

Floor Tile Options

• Porcelain: Most durable, water-resistant, available in countless styles including wood-look
• Ceramic: Cost-effective, good for walls and floors
• Natural stone: Marble, travertine, slate for luxury feel (requires sealing)
• Large format tiles: 12x24 or larger create fewer grout lines and modern look

Wall Treatments

• Tile shower walls to ceiling for best waterproofing
• Accent walls with decorative tile or natural stone
• Moisture-resistant drywall and proper waterproofing membranes
• Semi-gloss or satin paint for easier cleaning

Lighting and Ventilation

Proper lighting and ventilation aren't just nice-to-haves—they're essential for functionality and preventing moisture damage.

Lighting Layers

• Task lighting: Sconces flanking mirrors at 60-65 inches height
• Ambient lighting: Recessed ceiling lights or flush-mount fixtures
• Accent lighting: LED strip under vanity or in niches
• Natural light: Skylights or larger windows where privacy allows

Ventilation Requirements

Flagstaff's climate requires excellent ventilation to prevent mold:

• Exhaust fan rated for bathroom size (CFM = square footage x 1.1)
• Quiet operation (under 1.0 sones preferred)
• Timer or humidity sensor for automatic operation
• Vented to exterior, never to attic

Storage Solutions

Maximize storage to keep your bathroom organized and functional:

Timeline Expectations

A typical bathroom remodel takes 3-4 weeks, depending on complexity:

Final Planning Tips

• Shop for fixtures early: Lead times can be 2-4 weeks for special orders
• Consider resale: Neutral colors and classic styles appeal to more buyers
• Don't skimp on quality: This room gets heavy daily use
• Think long-term: Choose timeless designs over trendy
• Plan for accessibility: Curbless showers and comfort-height fixtures make aging in place easier

Smith Built specializes in bathroom transformations that combine beauty with functionality. From powder rooms to luxury primary suites, we'll help you plan every detail for a successful renovation.